Stand for electric irons



y 1933. s. B. RATTERMAN 1,911,088

STAND FOR ELECTRIC IRONS Filed June 18, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet l gwoentoz 6Z5. ffalferman/ G. B. RATTERMAN 1,911,088

May 23, 1933.

STAND FOR ELECTRIC IRONS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 18, 1930 6417/0 SaaZJv/I gwuentoz 9 W 7 v attorneys Patented May 23, 1933 GEORGE 3. ITEM, 01 NEW YORK, N. Y.

sum) FOR mac-mic mons Application filed June 18,

This invention'relates to stands for electric irons and, among other objects, aims to provide an improved, safe and durable support for sadirons embodying novel switch means for controlling the electric circuit to the resistance element in the iron and also having a safety device automatically to break the circuit in case the current is left on too long and the iron overheats or remains at a predetermined maximum temperature for a definite time. The main idea is to eliminate danger of fires which would result from overheated irons.

In general, the invention contemplates important improvements on the stands shown in my Patents Nos. 1,549,381 and 1,613,194.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a stand embodyin the invention;

ig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 22 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view with the platform removed;

Fig. 4 is a section taken on the line 4-4 of Fi 2' Fig. 5 is a section taken on the line 55 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 6 is a wiring diagram.

Referring particularly to the drawings, the illustrated embodiment of the stand is shaped like a large sadiron and is so constructed that an iron may be shifted longitudinally on the supporting platform to actuate a circuit controlling switch by the tilting movement of the platform.

.Herein, the stand is supported on abase 10 conveniently made of cast metal such as aluminum and having a plurality of feet 11 made of heat insulating material such as thermoplax. The base has spaced upstanding ribs 12 at the margins, providing a groove 13 to receive and hold the lower edges of perforate side walls 14 conveniently made of punched-out sheet metal. Also, the base preferably has a rear vertical wall 15 cast' integral with it. This wall presents forwardly extending flanges 16 to which the rear edges of the sheet metal side walls are secured. Further, the base has a post 17 at the forward end and a pair of posts 18 on the opposite 1930. Serial No. 462,008.

sides, the latter of which provide pivotal supports or standards for a tilting platform 19.

In this example, the tilting platform 19 has marginal flanges 20 above and below its marginal edges to greatly increase its strength and the depending flanges are scalloped at their lower edges (Fig. 2) so as not to interfere too much with the free circulation of air through the air space. A

transverse rib 21 is also formed on the bottom wall of the platform and has rounded end portions 22 providing integral trunnions which are adapted to be inserted in vertical slots or saddles 23 cut in the inner faces of means of machine screws 24 passing loosely through openings in the upper ends of the standards and threaded into holes 25 provided in the ends of the trunnion members (Fig. 5). The upper face of the platform preferably has a series of ribs 26 to provide for the circulation of air under the iron and thereby dissipate some of the heat that otherzvise would be transmitted through the plat orm.

The circuit controlling mechanism, which includes a switch operated automatically by the tilting platform, is housed in the rear end portion of the stand. Herein, a porcelain block 27, which is preferably rectangular, is

suitably secured to the base plate. The block is shown as having a notch or slot 28 to accommodate a switch housing 29 which is secured to the inner face of the rear wall 15. The switch is preferably of the same type as the toggle switches used in automobile instrument boards and the like and the housing is substantially rectangular, being secured in a suitable channel or between inwardly projecting flanges 30 on'the rear wall so as to prevent it from turning. As shown in Figs.

2 and 3, the switch housing has a screw threaded projection 31 extending through an opening in the wall 15 and is removably secured or clamped in place by means of a j amb nut 32. Projecting from the screw threaded projection is a toggle arm 33 of the usual construction which is adapted to operate the toggle switch mechanism, (not shown) by a snap action. The rear end of the platform has a downwardly extending projection 34 which presents a small opening 35 to accommodate the switch operating arm 33, the arrangement being such that when the platform is tilted through a very short distance, the arm will actuate the switch.

The porcelain block is shown as having grooves and binding posts to accommodate the electrical connections both for the switch and the usual cords 36 and 37. In this instance, a pair of conductors 38 made of sheet copper are connected to the switch terminals and have their ends bent into grooves in the porcelain block and secured by means of suitable screws. A pair of binding posts or screws 39 are each adapted to be connected to one of the conductors in each of the cords 36 and 37.

The other conductors of the cords 36 and 37 are here connected so as to cause the current delivered to the iron, say through the cord 37 from the cord 36, to pass through a fusible link or safety fuse 40. In this example, a pair of substantially L-shaped conductors in the form of copper strips 41 are secured in grooves or channels in the porcelain block and one of the conductors in each of the cords 36 and 37 is connected to a binding post 42 in one of the arms of said conductors 41. Referring to Figs. 2 and 4, the other arms of the conducting strips 41 are arranged opposite each other and extend over a rectangular opening 43 in the porcelain block. These arms provide spring contact clips or elements for the fusible link 40. The fusible link is herein carried by a separate porcelain block 44 mounted in the rectangular openinr 43 and hinged at one side as at 45 (Fig. 4 so that the whole thing can be swung downwardly and one of the fuse elements 40 replaced. The fusible link, in this instance, is carried between U-shaped spring clips 46 secured in suitable recesses 47 provided in the fuse block 44 and these clips present outwardly bent arms 48 to afford good surface contact with the under faces of the spring arms of the conducting strip 41 when the fuse block is located in the position shown in Fig. 4. The arrangement is such that the fuse block can be swung out very easily and a simple fuse element inserted between the clips after it has burned out. In this instance, the porcelain block is secured to a sheet metal plate 49 and is adapted to be latched or locked in its operative position by means of a sliding latch member 50 which has a notched end engaging a screw 51 shown at the right hand side of Fig. 4. However, the latch may be of any suitable design. When the latch is released, the porcelain block swings out automatically due to the spring pressure of the spring arms of the conductor strips 41.

It will be observed from the diagram in Fig. 6 that the tog le switch 29, the resist ance element or coi of the sadiron and the fusible link 40 are all connected in series. Thus, when current is supplied from one of the cords through the stand and the other cord to the iron, it must flow through the switch and the fuse. Incidentally, when the platform is in the position indicated in Fig. 2, the toggle switch closes the circuit. The top of the platform is marked to indicate that the current is on in this position and that the current is off when it is tilted to its other position.

In order to prevent the cords from being easily pulled out or broken loose from their connections inside the stand, they are conveniently inserted through holes in the rear 85 wall 15 of the stand and knots are tied in them to prevent them from being displaced. Also, a pair of spring wire guards 52 of the usual design are preferably screwed into the openin s so as to be firmly held in place.

0 avoid exposing the insulated conductors to the intense heat radiated from the platform, and further to insulate the stand, there is shown an upper layer or sheet of asbestos 53 which is mounted on the top of the orcelain block 27 and supported on shou ders or ledges 54 provided on the posts 17 and 18. This insulating sheet here has a rectangular opening 55 over the fusible link so as to expose it to the radiant heat and cause the circuit to be broken when the iron overheats or is left on and forgotten. Incidentally, the design of the link is such that it will melt when exposed to the heat of an ordinary iron for about one hour. Tests have demonstrated that one of the links will melt when exposed to a temperature of appfoximately 450 for a period of 55 minutes.

ence, the fire hazard is entirely eliminated and the circuit is automatically broken. Furthermore, the insulating porcelain block and the conductor elements including the binding posts are so insulated from the metal parts of the stand that there is no danger of a short circuit when reasonably high voltages are applied. Tests have shown that the illustrated design of the circuit connections will withstand at least 500 volts.

From the foregoing description, it will be understood that the improved iron stands can be manufactured at a relatively low cost. Furthermore, all of the parts are designed to withstand very rough usage and there are no delicate arts which require quick re placement. oreover, stands of this type have been subjected to very severe tests by an underwriters laboratory and all of the essential features have been approved. Aside from the fact that the fire hazard is eliminated, the automatic cut-off feature will enable a great saving in electric current, especially when an iron is carelessly left on. Also, the operator does not need to turn on or off any separate switch, but can set the iron on the platform either at the front or rear end automatically to actuate the simple toggle switch to control the iron circuit.

()bviously, the present invention is not restricted to the particular embodiment thereof herein shown and described. Moreover, it is not indispensable that all the features of the invention be used conjointly, since they may be employed advantageously in various combinations and sub-combinations.

What is claimed is:

1. In a supporting stand for electric irons, a tilting platform; a snap switch in the iron circuit operatively connected to the platform; a fuse block pivotally mounted in the bottom of the stand and a fusible link in the block and connected in series with the switch so as to break the iron circuit automatically when the iron overheats or when the circuit is closed and left closed for an appreciable time.

2. A supporting stand for electric irons comprising, in combination, a cast metal base having a vertical end wall; vertical standards integral with said base; a tilting platform mounted on said standards; a toggle switch arranged in the circuit to the iron and having an arm projecting through said end wall; an operating arm integral with the platform and connected to said switch; a porcelain block secured to said base and. presenting grooves in its upper wall; conductors arranged within said grooves; and a fusible link between said conductors connected to be removed through said base.

3. A supporting stand for electric irons comprising, in combination, a base having insulating feet; a pair of vertical standards intermediate the ends of said base; a vertical post at the forward end of said base; an

end wall integral with said base; a tilting" platform mounted on said standards; said platform being supported at one end by the post or by the end wall when the platform is tilted in either direction electrical conductors for the iron arranged within said stand; a toggle switch supported by said end wall and connected to said conductors; an integral arm on the platform for operating said switch when the platform is tilted; and a fusible link in the stand connected in series with said switch and exposed to be heated by the platform when the iron is overheated or the current is left on for an appreciable time.

4. A supporting stand for electric irons comprising, in combination, a metal base; supporting standards arranged on opposite sides of the base and having notches in their upper ends; a tilting platform having integral trunnion projections mounted in said notches; a snap switch mounted in said base and connected in circuit with the electric conductors for the iron;.said switchhaving an operating arm projecting through one end of the base and means integral with said tilting platform connected to the arm to actuate said switch.

5. A supporting stand for electric irons comprising, in combination, a sadiron-shaped base having integral standards intermediate its ends and a post at its forward end; a wall on the rear end of the base, perforate side walls secured to said rear wall and said post; a tilting platform supported on said intermediate standards; an asbestos sheet on the top of said base; a porcelain block secured to the base adjacent to the rear well; an electric switch connected in the iron circuit and having an arm extending outwardly from the rear wall of the stand' electrical conductors in said porcelain block presenting opposed spring arms; a fuse block pivotally mounted on the base and having contact clip elements co-operating with said spring arms; latch means for holding said clip elements in contact with said arms; and means on said platform operatively connected to said switch arm whereby to close said circuit when the iron is placed on the rear end of said platform and to open said circuit when the iron is placed on the forward end of said platform.

6. A supporting stand for electric irons comprising, in combination, a base having a plurality of posts mounted thereon; a tilting platform mounted on a pair of said posts; an asbestos sheet on top of said base an end wall integral With said base; a switch removably secured to the end wall and connected in circuit with the iron; a porcelain block mounted on said base adjacent to said switch; electrical conductors mounted in said block and presenting opposed spring arms; a fuse element co-operating with said spring arms and connected in series with said switch; an asbestos sheet covering said porcelain block and having an opening above said fuse element whereby to expose the fuse element to be heated by the platform; and operating connections between said platform and said switch whereby said switch is actuated to close the circuit to the iron when it is tilted in one direction and to open the circuit to the iron when it is tilted in the opposite direction.

7. A supporting stand for electric irons comprising, in combination, a metal base having an opening in the bottom thereof; a tilting platform on the base; a snap switch in the iron circuit operatively connected to the platform; electrical conductors in the base connected in series with the switch and having spring arms; a pivoted fuse block having a fuse, said block closing the opening in the bottom of the base, and adapted to swing downwardly to expose the fuse; contact clip elements on the block adapted to hold the fuse and contacting with the spring arms when the block is closed; and releasable means to hold the block in closed osition.

8. A supporting stand or electric irons comprising, in combination, a metal base having an opening in the bottom thereof; a tilting platform on the base; a snap switch in the iron circuit operatively connected to the platform; a fuse block in the base having terminals connected in series with the switch; a fuse carried by said terminals; said block being pivoted to swing downwardly through the opening in the base to permit replacement of the fuse.

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereto afiixed my signature.

GEORGE B. RATTERMAN. 

